Best Santa Trains and Holiday Lights in Florida - Create Your Own Holiday Traditions.Even with sunshine and palm trees swaying in the breeze storybook travel is pure fun and during the winter months Florida destinations adorn trees with twinkling lights and excursion trains run just for fun.

Here's the scoop. Pretend journeys to the North Pole and miles of magical lights this season will be more fun than ever. From twinkling lights in St. Augustine and Orlando to festive boats on the Gulf Coast, the holiday season offers rewarding ways to celebrate together. Featured below you will find our favorite train excursions for families.

Ft. Myers: Seminole Gulf Railway - Christmas Eve Murder Mystery Dinner Train and a Christmas Rail/Boat Train (Mid December). During the holiday season the Seminole Gulf Railway runs a Christmas Eve - Murder Mystery Dinner Train, based on their popular Murder Mystery Dinner train series, but with a jolly holiday twist. In addition, Seminole Gulf Railway is featuring its annual Christmas rail/ boat train experience which will transport passengers to the old Punta Gorda Train Depot fo rholiday lights and dinner. Bonus points: Ride the Plymoth Rock Special and enjoy a traditional New England Thanksgiving Feast on the train. Daytime Excursion travels north through Fort Myers and then across Caloosahatchee River via the railroad drawbridge and into Northern Lee County, with views only accessible by rail. (Seminole Gulf Railway, Ft. Myers, FL. Toll-free 1-800-SEM-GULF or www.semgulf.com)

Parrish: Florida Gulf Coast Railroad – Hop Aboard North Pole Express & Santa Claus Special (December). The Florida Gulf Coast Railroad is the home of Florida’s railroad history and this holiday season it celebrates that history with holiday-themed events on board their trains. The North Pole Express invites passengers on a journey to visit with the jolly old elf himself at the North Pole including time for a special gift from Old St. Nick. Along the way carolers regale passengers with songs full of holiday spirit, and everyone enjoys complimentary hot chocolate. In addition to the North Pole Express there is also the Santa Claus Special train which allows passengers to ride the rails with Santa Claus himself – a true holiday treat. Bonus Points: This rolling rail museum hosts a variety of unique rail experiences throughout the year including a great train robbery. Ride in the caboose or if you are daring rent a locomotive complete with and engineer and learn what it takes to drive the train. (Florida Gulf Coast Railroad, 12210 83rd Street East, Parrish 34219. Toll- free 1-877-869-0800 toll-free or www.fgcrrm.org)

St. Augustine, Annual Nights of Lights (Mid November to January). The Nation’s oldest (continuously settled) city is alive with the holiday spirit during the Nights of Lights with millions of white lights throughout the historic downtown area. The event has its origins in the Spanish tradition of displaying lighted white candles during the Christmas holidays, and ties in to the city’s 433-year history. In addition to the stunning light displays, the city hosts a dazzling array of special events and activities including nighttime tours led by costumed storytellers, train and trolley tours, art walks, Florida ice skating, holiday concerts, a parade and much more. (Nights of Lights St. Augustine, 32084. Toll-free 1-800-653-2489 or www.nightoflights.com)

Lake Buena Vista: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (Early November to January). The Streets of America back lot area of Disney-MGM Studios will sparkle with millions of lights during this year’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Features of the presentation include choreographed “dancing” lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music and “Florida snow” flurries. In addition to the lights, the back lot will host three-dimensional and motion-based displays which celebrate the spirit of the season. Discovery: There are over 40 hidden Mickey Mouses present in the display, so be sure to keep your eyes open for the little rascal. (Spectacle of Dancing Lights (407) 824-4321 or www.disneyworld.com)

Content researched and updated by the FamilyTravelFiles.com and images provided by Florida Gulf Coast Railroad and FTF staff. Copyright 2014.

Tampa Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI - Huzzah!
How about spending your weekend in the 16th century complete with giants, jousting, jesters, fairies, falconry, storytelling, and troubadours? It’s a spring break adventure or weekend escape with family fun guaranteed.

We are a smart choice for comfortable and affordable lodging in Neptune Beach. Choose which beach to explore close by are Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach with easy strolling to restaurants and shopping along the beautiful coast of Florida.
Days Inn Neptune Beach
1401 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, Florida 32266
Contact: 904-249-2777
Email: info@dineptunebeach.com or www.dineptunebeach.com. [Read Less]

Located near Neptune Beach, we are a smart choice for comfortable and affordable lodging. Choose which beach to explore with options like Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and easy strolling to restaurants and shopping along the beautiful coast of Florida.
Days Inn Neptune Beach
1401 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, Florida 32266
Contact: 904-249-2777
Email: info@dineptunebeach.com or www.dineptunebeach.com. [Read Less]

We offer pet friendly homes on Crescent Beach, Florida. And condominiums on St. Augustine Beach. We'll make your vacation as comfortable as home. Give us a call at 352-262-4513 or visit us online . [Read Less]

Take a sea cruise and try to spot some playful dolphins. Visit the Naples Botanical Garden or the Naples Zoo. Take the kids to shop for that perfect Naples treasure on 5th Avenue South or 3rd Street South. Fish off Naples Pier or attend a performance at the Philharmonic. It's all here when you stay with us.
Ramada Inn of Naples
1100 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34102
Reservations: 800-325-1135 Contact: 239-263-3434 Fax: 239-261-3809
Email: info@naplesramada.com or www.naplesramada.com/
[Read Less]

At the Bay Area Renaissance Festival at MOSI, you can rub elbows with Royalty and dueling swordsmen as you cheer your favorite knight in a full-armored tournament joust. Come enjoy the new Fairy House Competition! Plus this year we have the 1st Annual Queen's Cupcake Wars! We are open weekends February 14 - March 29 plus Festive Friday, March 27. Check out our themed weekends to plan your adventure. Perfect for kids of all ages. Plan ahead and fill out a form to bring your dog. [Read Less]

Family fun at the beach on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Perfect for family reunions. [Read More]

Located on Fernandina Beach. We’re located within walking distance of renowned Amelia Island beaches. Each of our 133 spacious family suites has a full-size kitchen, free Internet access. Guests enjoy complimentary hot breakfast each day and relaxing time by the pool. We also host Social Experiences on select evenings. Guests are invited to tastings from local restaurants, BBQ, make your own s’mores, and storytelling. Call us to hear about the latest family beach vacation packages. Residence Inn 2301 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034. Toll-free 1-866-245-6099, (904) 277-2440 or www.residenceinnameliaisland.com. [Read Less]

Offering a perfect place to stay for families travelling to the Daytona Beach area. [Read More]

Hyatt Place Daytona Beach - Oceanfront is a beautiful 10-story oceanfront hotel that offers 143 spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Ideally located minutes from the Daytona International Speedway and directly on the beach, this hotel has convenient access for families travelling to the Daytona Beach area with all the convenience of a Hyatt Place. Hyatt Place Daytona Beach Oceanfront, 3161 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118. Phone: 386 944 2010 or daytonabeach.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html. [Read Less]

A beautiful oceanfront hotel with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. [Read More]

Hyatt Place Daytona Beach - Oceanfront is a beautiful 10-story oceanfront hotel that offers 143 spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Ideally located minutes from the Daytona International Speedway and directly on the beach, this hotel has convenient access for families travelling to the Daytona Beach area with all the convenience of a Hyatt Place. The hotel is pet friendly for a flat fee. Hyatt Place Daytona Beach Oceanfront, 3161 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118. Phone: 386 944 2010 or daytonabeach.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html. [Read Less]